The Hardwood Federation spends much of their time meeting with Members of Congress in Washington, D.C. Our objective is to educate them about the Hardwood industry and how the laws and policies they are considering impact your business and your bottom line. We are often asked how members of the hardwood industry can participate in these efforts without necessarily traveling to Washington, D.C.

One of the ways you can get involved without leaving your place of business is to host an elected official, at any level, in your hardwood facility. Meeting and personal interaction with your local and state and federally elected politicians are excellent ways to let them know what is going on with the hardwood industry and really drive home the importance of our issues. Hearing directly from business executives in their districts is an effective way to reinforce the message we convey here in Washington. You will find that giving a first-hand look at your operations and seeing your employees in action will resonate with members at all levels. You are their constituents and ultimately they answer to you.

Hosting lawmakers in your facility really shows them what it is that the forest products industry does. Not only will they see your employees - and their voters - but you can explain the entire supply chain and how you are a driver of local, state, and national economies. These are points that that will stick in the mind of your guest and help them as they make future policy decisions.

In order to aid you in what can be an intimidating (but shouldn't be!) process, the Hardwood Federation has developed a "Facility Tour Guide" that gives you step-by-step directions from start to finish when planning a tour for officials. You may find the Facility Tour Guide here. You can also contact the Hardwood Federation staff for more information at hardwood.federation@hardwoodfederation.com.